The app is intended to act as a fast access medical guide, to provide information to medical doctors and healthcare professionals about the symptoms, signs and images relating to cancer. The earlier the detection of the disease, the better a patient’s chances of survival.
The app was developed by the University of the West of Scotland. The university has a business project called the Scottish Centre for Enabling Technologies. The app was also created with the help of the Scottish government and it carries data drawn from the Scottish Referral Guidelines for Suspected Cancer. The focus here is to “identify those patients who are most likely to have cancer and who therefore require urgent assessment by a specialist.”
One key aspect is that the app stays current. When near a Wi-Fi zone, the app will update with the latest guidance, meaning medics have the current thinking on the diagnosis of cancer.
Speaking with BBC Health,Shona Robison of the Scottish government told the news website: “This app, which has been developed in partnership with health professionals and patients, will make it easier and quicker for doctors, pharmacists and senior nurses to access information on referral for those suspected of having cancer.”
The app will be available via Apple and Google and will work on any compatible device. Medical apps are becoming increasingly common and are intended to be used by qualified professionals with their decision making. Care should be taken if someone is intending to use an app and who is not a qualified health professional.
